Locked On Magic - Daily Podcast On The Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic overwhelmed the New York Knicks with a decisive 13-0 run in the fourth quarter. It was the kind of run that showed the team's inevitability and how the Magic can potentially devastate teams with timely runs and killer defense. This is a trait of every championship team.

The Magic got contributions throughout the roster from stars like Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane carrying the scoring weight to Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black providing key defensive possessions. Even the coaches stepped up for each other with Jamahl Mosley staying in the locker room at halftime...

Jalen Suggs is unleashed at long last as he appears to be past his minute restriction and let loose on unsuspecting offenses. The LA Clippers learned that the hard way in a 129-101 Orlando Magic victory on Thursday.

Suggs has long been the team's heart and "head of the snake." But injuries have slowed him down. Now he is learning to pick his spots better and is more consistently impacting games in a positive way.

Suggs finished with 23 points, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, setting the tone with his defense and his three-point...

The Orlando Magic had a rocky start that sent everyone panicking and worrying about the team and its future. But the team has turned it around, finding its defensive identity and enough offense to show improvement. Everything is trending in the right direction for them.

There is still plenty of work to do. It is too early in the season to say anything has stuck. And most of the Magic's challenge for the next phase of the season is to cement their identity on both ends.

The Magic are getting plenty from their two stars...

The Orlando Magic rallied past the Golden State Warriors to score a big win, recovering from Sunday's disappointing defeat. The Magic seem to have found their identity and their formula to win as they continue their strong run after their slow start to the season.

The Magic got huge games from Anthony Black and Desmond Bane to help pace them through the game. And Jalen Suggs' return helped wear down Stephen Curry and set the tone for the team defensively.

Orlando is getting back to its identity and the wins are coming after it.

The Orlando Magic's ambitions for the season may rest on Anthony Black's development. He has shown plenty of improvement and promise early in the season. But his flaws and inconsistency are still costing the team in critical moments, like the end of Sunday's loss to the Houston Rockets.

Statistically, the Magic tend to go how Black's shooting goes. That makes him a vital player who could lift the Magic's ceiling or keep them struggling to reach that potential.

Black will be key to powering the team's struggling bench, especially with Tyus Jones continuing to struggle...

The Orlando Magic fell in overtime to the Houston Rockets despite missing Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs. They look more and more like the team everyone imagined they could be.

But even though they led for most of the game, several key details were missing that cost them in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Magic's offense continued to slow down at critical junctures and missed free throws, particularly a miss late in regulation by Anthony Black, kept the door open to lead to a loss to a championship-caliber team.

Orlando is still working on...

The Orlando Magic edged out the Brooklyn Nets thanks to a pair of clutch 3-pointers from Franz Wagner and an 11-0 run that rescued the game.

Orlando was happy to survive this scare and score the victory. But they were unahppy for all the mistakes they made and their failure to play up to their exacting standards. If the Magic are the team they think they can be, they will have to play with more precision and focus.

Still, gutting out a win is a valuable skill too. The Magic will take every win they...

The Orlando Magic brace for a pivotal stretch as Paolo Banchero suffers a left groin strain and will miss at least one game -- and probably more.

Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane will have to step up and take on a bigger role to help the Magic stay afloat and continue growing. The Magic proved they could do it last year.

Ryam Kaminsky of Orlando Magic on SI joins the show for part two of our conversation to break down how the Magic's attack is changing and how the Magic can continue to evolve their...

The Orlando Magic will be without Paolo Banchero for at least one game -- and probably longer -- as an MRI confirmed that he strained his groin.

All eyes turn to Franz Wagner then to lead the team like he did last year. The Magic are prepared to handle Banchero's absence thanks to that run last year. And it could be good for getting Wagner and Desmond Bane going after slow starts to the season.

The Magic have started to find their identity and their way after starting 1-4 this season. Ryan Kaminski of Orlando...

The Orlando Magic silenced their critics and a lot of noise with a commanding 124-107 rout of the New York Knicks on national TV.

The Magic re-established their defensive identity and stifled a powerful Knicks offense, using that to power their own scoring and race ahead in the middle two quarters.

After struggling through the first weeks of the season, the Magic have started to find some rhythm and pick up wins. They have changed their narrative over the course of the past two weeks to reclaim a spot among the East contenders.

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The Orlando Magic edged past the Portland Trail Blazers to improve to 4-2 in their last six games. The team appears to have turned at least a minor corner to pick up wins and gain ground in the early part of the season.

But it still does not feel like the team is where everyone thinks it should be. There are still a lot of mistakes and flaws for the team to clean up. It was evident in that win on Monday as the Magic had to scramble to preserve the win with a buzzer-beater.

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The Orlando Magic escaped the Portland Trail Blazers thanks to a dramatic buzzer-beating three from Desmond Bane. Can this be a turning point for him and the Magic in the beginning of the season?

Bane has struggled to start the year and even struggled to find three-point shots. The Magic came out determined to get him going and he took his share of shots, leading the team for long stretches with 22 points and seven assists.

The Magic as a group need to continue to find their togetherness. They put together some truly great stretches before...

The Orlando Magic gave away their chance to sweep the Boston Celtics as turnovers once again gutted the Magic and slowed their offense to a crawl.

Orlando's 17 turnovers led to 29 Boston points and it was the only thing an angry Jamahl Mosley wanted to mention after the game. The Magic have been one of the worst teams in the league at protecting the ball and it continues to derail their progress as they try to live up to their lofty expectations.

Every problem the Magic has springs from this turnover issue. And Orlando will not...

The Orlando Magic rediscovered their hard-nosed identity, toppling the Boston Celtics 123-110. Could this statement win ignite their season?

The Magic used a balanced offensive attack that moved and shared the ball to finally get their breakthrough and power a solid defensive effort.

But it was the team finally responding to adversity that changed things. After giving away their lead, they answered with a dominant fourth-quarter run to put some distance between them and the Celtics and score the victory.

00:00 Lack of Grit and Resilience

08:09 "Magic Learning While Winning"

13:42...

The Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero has been a lightning rod for criticism throughout his career and especially early in the season as the Magic have struggled. But during the Magic's road trip, Banchero found a way to impact games and evolve his play in unexpected ways.

Paolo Banchero’s recent surge—highlighted by rebounding, assists, and defensive stats—shows he’s evolving beyond just scoring, even as critics question his shooting efficiency. Banchero has been playing like a star even if the league is choosing to ignore it. Can he power the Magic back into contention?

00:00...

The Orlando Magic face mounting pressure as they struggle to start the season. Jamahl Mosley's future is under fire among fans as the team fails to meet expectations.

This season was always going to focus on Jamahl Mosley and his ability to help the offense grow. The team's emphasis on pace has had some positives for the team, but also some major drawbacks, as the team has struggled to re-establish its defense.

Mosley needs to find a way to get the team to start clicking and come together quickly to not only advance this season...

The Orlando Magic fell to the Atlanta Hawks 127-112 as they again struggled to step to the plate on national TV. Their familiar issues of turnovers, fouling and inconsistent defense plagued them as they collapsed again.

The Magic missed shots, and that seemed to be the catalyst for the team's frustrations and collapse once again. It is part of a pattern against quality competition that is holding the Magic back early in the season.

So how do they fix it? That is a much more complicated question and one the Magic must answer to reach...

The Orlando Magic are trying to right the ship after a 3-4 start. But the underlying numbers tell a story of a team that is going to come together and succeed.

The Magic's starting lineup is one of the best lineups in the league at the beginning of the season. That is a sign the Magic should be fine in the long run. This is the backbone for the team.

There are still plenty of questions the Magic have to answer. Anthony Black has been inconsistent to start the season in a larger role. And...

Almost the entire NBA world has been overreacting to the Orlando Magic's early-season struggles. The team appears to be coming out of the early-season slump, and several key players are putting to rest some early criticisms they had faced.

Paolo Banchero is often criticized for his efficiency and shot selection. But in the last four games, he has been a terror with his career-best true shooting percentage and efficiency numbers.

Similarly, Wendell Carter is not considered a strong defensive big. But the numbers show Carter's defense has been stout and his offense has come around.<...

The Orlando Magic demolished the Washington Wizards 125-94 as both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner lived in the paint and dominated the interior.

The Magic have begun to put their vision together, playing better in transition and working inside out to get better shots and shots at the rim. More importantly, their defense is helping generate a lot of their offense as they dominated two inferior opponents to snap their losing streak.

The team has started to find its formula more and have a better understanding of the pace and tempo they need to play.<...

The Orlando Magic snapped their four-game skid with a dominant 123-107 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

At long last, they returned to their disruptive defensive identity to slow down the Hornets and control the game's tempo. That enabled the Magic to set up their offense and get everyone involved as the offense overpowered the Hornets.

Paolo Banchero was key to all of this as the hub of activity. He nearly poured in a triple-double and facilitated the movement throughout the offense before closing the door in the fourth quarter.

The Magic are certainly...

The Orlando Magic have a lot of questions to ask themselves again as their defense collapsed in a crushing and embarrassing 135-116 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Once again, the Magic struggled to keep up their defensive intensity, parading the Pistons to the line all while their offense floundered in the second half after a strong showing in the first half.

It is time for some serious soul-searching for Jamahl Mosley and his team as the Magic faltered again and let go of the rope, forsaking the identity that built the team into a juggernaut.<...

The Orlando Magic have stumbled to a 1-3 start as they have struggled to execute their fast-paced offense. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner offered differing views on how to get the team to fix it.

Wagner said he still has faith the team can come together and the pace will be good for them in the end. Banchero urged the team to find more structure and not simply run to run.

The reality is that running and getting out in transition has helped the Magic in their best moments. And the numbers support the Magic...

The Orlando Magic's defensive woes finally broke as the Philadelphia 76ers torched the Magic in a 136-124 victory. Orlando's identity is built on its defense. And without being able to rely on it, the team is struggling to find its way early in the season.

All of the big problems the Magic have are completely in their control -- whether it is the defense, the turnovers or the missed free throws. That is the frustrating part for the group. They clearly have the talent and the ability to be the team they expected to be.

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The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane to help solve their offensive issues. But the last six quarters shows there are still some bad offensive habits to break.

If Orlando wants to make the most of their new player in Desmond Bane, they need to break these habits and start moving the ball more. It comes with experience and trust. And the Magic are lacking both right now, holding them back.

Orlando also needs to reduce their mistakes and turnovers if the team wants to get its offense moving again.

The Magic will have...

The Orlando Magic's shooting woes returned once again in a 110-98 loss to the Chicago Bulls. It is once again the defining issue as they made only three of 24 attempts in the game, following a poor second half in Friday's game.

If the Magic are going to run and play at the pace, if they are going to compete in the East, they need to make shots. Without shooting, there is no chance this thing will work.

Right now, the Magic are struggling to come together and part of that is they are still mixing...

The Orlando Magic stumbled against the Atlanta Hawks with a 111-107 loss thanks to points left on the board at the foul line and with turnovers.

But it is also still clear the Magic are learning how to play together and finding their groove on offense. The team got stagnant in the second half after a stellar offensive first half. Their new style on that end is still a work in progress.

It is especially a work in progress for Paolo Banchero who struggled once again to find his footing after a rough shooting opener...

A day after the Orlando Magic's opening night win over the Miami Heat, what do we know about this team? The first game brought a lot of noise and trends that may not continue.

But the team's focus on pace has indeed stuck. Orlando played its highest possession game in six years. The team was also much more effective scoring in transition and off of turnovers.

It is all good signs for the team's offense. If that is something that will continue, then we may need to change what feels normal for this team.

The Orlando Magic were on the ropes in their season opener against the Miami Heat. But in every critical moment, the team passed the test and found a way to make the play to win the game.

The Magic were not themselves as they struggled on defense in a 125-121 victory to open their season. But they did enough to get the win.

A big thanks goes to the return of Jalen Suggs. He delivered several big plays, including the go-ahead basket in the fourth quarter, that pushed the Magic to the victory. His presence...

The Orlando Magic open their 2025-26 season against the Miami Heat as they eye a deep playoff run this season.

It all starts with that first game and first step on the long journey this season. Can the Magic establish their dominance in the Eastern Conference from the jump? What impact will Desmond Bane have on the Magic's offense? Are Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner ready to star and lead the Magic deeper into the Playoffs?

Their first challenge comes from the always difficult and disciplined Miami Heat. The in-state rivals will provide a tough...

The Orlando Magic's offense surged throughout the preseason, providing some hint that they could end their long offensive drought. Is this the year they break through? Was that preseason surge real?

The Magic showed a lot during the preseason, but there is still a lot that is uncertain as the team begins its season. What was real from the Magic's perfect preseason? What should still be concerning?

0:00 Intro: Preseason recap and factor or fiction

5:07 Magic's offensive improvements in preseason

10:16 Analyzing defensive performance and expectations

15:22 Standout players: Wendell Carter and...

The Orlando Magic's 2026 season has arrived! It comes with big ambitions and goals for the upcoming season. Will the Magic secure homecourt advantage and advance deeper into the Playoffs?

What other bold moves will the Magic make and what else can they accomplish as they try to force their title window open?

On today's episode, I make my bold predictions for the upcoming season and try to predict how far the Magic will go.

0:00 Intro: Game week predictions for Magic season

5:45 Magic to accomplish last year's goals

7:47 Paolo and...

The local experts from the Locked On NBA Channel kick off the Locked On NBA Squad Show East by breaking down which team the Eastern Conference runs through after major injuries to the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. Join Nick Angstadt, Tony East (Locked On Pacers), Gavin Schall (Locked On Knicks), Philip Rossman-Reich (Locked On Magic), David Ramil (Locked On Heat), and a cameo from Matt Moore (Locked On NBA) as they debate if the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers are the true favorites, analyzing their playoff track records, roster upgrades, and coaching changes. The conversation explores how Or...

The Orlando Magic raced past the New Orleans Pelicans to finish their preseason undefeated.

In doing so, they showed all of their potential, including their stunning new-look offense. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero dominated and looked ready to start the season as the Magic's passing attack has changed their ceiling.

But there are still some concerns as the team's defense has not rounded into its elite form yet. The Magic were able to outscore the Pelicans this time, but they have to clean up some things before the games count next week.

0:00 Intro...

The Orlando Magic are aiming to be championship contenders sooner than later. Is later this year?

Kevin Pelton of ESPN detailed a wild simulation of the season that saw the Magic lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season. How far-fetched is that scenario? Not as crazy as it might seem.

The Magic's championship window is opening, if not open already, and it is on them to prove that they are walking the path toward a championship.

0:00 Intro

3:41 Magic predicted to win NBA championship?!

7:47 Why fans are excited for this...

Jalen Suggs took a giant leap toward his return as he participated in contact 3-on-3 drills at practice Tuesday. Could he make his mark and return for opening night next week?

This is certainly good news after it seemed like Suggs was still struggling to take this important step and be ready for the season. It is a good sign as the Magic prepare for their final week before the season starts.

The Magic are indeed deep in preparations. Their practice Tuesday was one of the best they have had all camp. The competition increased...

There is not much intrigue in training camp over roles and rotation. The Orlando Magic know who their nine- or 10-man rotation should be this season when they are healthy. The preseason has been more about establishing and clarifying those existing roles ahead of the season.

There is still something to prove, however.

Jett Howard has made the most of his minutes, getting some extended time with the starters and rotation players and showing signs of defensive improvement to get him a look. Jonathan Isaac is also looking healthy and more active on defense. But...

The Orlando Magic have struggled on offense for much of the last decade. The path to their improvement has always leaned on their improving on that end.

So they have added key players but also changed their offensive mindset, focusing on pace and running more to improve their offensive fortunes.

Their three preseason games have shown this mindset take root. They are improving on offense and have shined in the preseason. The Magic have one of the best offenses in the preseason so far. Orlando perhaps has taken a key step forward.

But...

The Orlando Magic blew past the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half for a 30-point win in their second preseason game. But there is tons to work on as the Magic prepare for the regular season.

The Magic's new fast-paced offense continues to show loads of promise. It has come together to give the Magic a clear boost. But the team is still getting it all together and making mistakes that will hurt the team when the games count.

The good news is then that it does feel like the Magic have an extra gear...

The Orlando Magic are nearing the end of training camp as their preseason schedule resumes. The team is previewing who has stood out and who could be due for a larger role.

It is no surprise that Tristan da Silva has been one of the standouts from training camp the past two weeks. He had a strong run at EuroBasket and has carried that momentum into camp. He was one of the standouts of the preseason opener and should have a role for the team.

The other player who has gotten mentioned as a standout...